Matthew 27:45-53 is about the moment of Jesus’ crucifixion and subsequent death, emphasizing the darkness that covered the land, the tearing of the temple curtain, and the resurrection of many holy people, signifying the monumental shift from the old covenant to the new covenant brought about by Jesus’ sacrifice.
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.”
48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink.
49 And the rest said, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.”
50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.
52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised,
53 They came out of the tombs after his resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 27:45-53
The scene described in Matthew 27:45-53 takes place at Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified. It is midday, and darkness has fallen over the land. The atmosphere is heavy with a sense of foreboding and sorrow as Jesus hangs on the cross, surrounded by Roman soldiers and a crowd of onlookers. The sky is darkened, adding to the somber mood of the moment.
Among those present are Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene, who stand at the foot of the cross, weeping and grieving for their beloved son and teacher. Also present are some of Jesus’ disciples, including John, who stands close to the two Marys, offering them comfort and support in their time of distress. The soldiers, who are tasked with overseeing the crucifixion, are also present, carrying out their duties with a sense of detachment and indifference.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, he cries out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The earth shakes, and the temple curtain is torn in two, signifying the momentous nature of Jesus’ sacrifice. In the midst of this darkness and despair, there is a glimmer of hope as some of the dead are raised to life, foreshadowing the victory over death that Jesus will achieve through his resurrection.
What is Matthew 27:45-53 about?
This verse speaks to the profound impact that Jesus’s death had on the world. The darkness that covered the land at his death symbolizes the heaviness and sorrow felt by those who witnessed this event. The tearing of the temple veil signifies the breaking down of barriers between God and humanity, as Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross opened up a new way for people to connect with God directly. The opening of tombs and the rising of saints represent the victory over death that Jesus achieved through his resurrection, showing his power to conquer even the grave.
Have you ever thought about the incredible ripple effect that Jesus’s death had on the world? It wasn’t just a historical event; it was a profound moment that symbolized the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation. The darkness, the tearing of the veil, the opening of tombs – all of these powerful images point to the transformative power of Jesus’s sacrifice. It’s a reminder of the incredible love that God has for us, and the lengths to which he was willing to go to reconcile us to himself. Take a moment to reflect on the significance of Jesus’s death and the new life that it offers to all who believe in him.
Understanding what Matthew 27:45-53 really means
The passage in Matthew 27:45-53 paints a vivid picture of the supernatural events that unfolded during Jesus’ crucifixion. From noon until Jesus’ death, darkness covered the land, symbolizing the weight of sin being borne by Jesus. His cry of abandonment, quoting Psalm 22:1, reveals the depth of his suffering and the separation from God as he took on the sins of the world. The tearing of the temple curtain from top to bottom signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting all direct access to God through Jesus’ sacrifice. The earthquake, rocks splitting, and tombs breaking open underscore the cosmic significance of Jesus’ death, while the resurrection of saints foreshadows the new life believers receive through Jesus.
In Psalm 22:1, Jesus’ cry of abandonment finds its roots, leading from despair to triumph, foreshadowing the resurrection. Hebrews 10:19-20 explains the torn curtain’s significance, emphasizing believers’ access to the Most Holy Place through Jesus’ blood. Romans 8:38-39 reassures believers of God’s unbreakable love, made possible by Jesus’ sacrificial death. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus’ immense love and sacrifice, offering comfort in times of darkness by showing that God is present and has provided a way for us to be in relationship with Him directly through Jesus.
The tearing of the temple curtain holds particular relevance today, signifying that we no longer require intermediaries to approach God; we have direct access through Jesus. Consider a person in deep despair, feeling abandoned and alone. This passage can bring solace, illustrating that Jesus too experienced abandonment and suffering but emerged victorious. Just as the darkness lifted and the curtain tore, symbolizing new beginnings, our darkest moments can lead to renewal through faith in Jesus.
Ultimately, Matthew 27:45-53 serves as a powerful testament to Jesus’ sacrificial love and the transformative impact of his death and resurrection. It prompts us to contemplate the access we now possess to God and the hope we can cling to, even in our most challenging moments. The events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion remind us of the profound depth of his sacrifice and the boundless love that led him to endure such suffering for our redemption.
What does darkness at Jesus’ crucifixion symbolize spiritually?
The darkness at Jesus’ crucifixion can symbolize several spiritual meanings. It can represent the profound sorrow and mourning of creation itself at the moment of Christ’s death, emphasizing the gravity of the sacrifice being made for humanity’s salvation. This darkness can also signify the separation and alienation caused by sin, highlighting the moment when Jesus took on the weight of all sin and bore it on the cross.
Furthermore, the darkness can symbolize the spiritual battle between light and darkness, good and evil, as Jesus faced the powers of darkness in order to bring about the ultimate victory through his resurrection. The darkness serves as a powerful reminder of the darkness of sin and death that Christ’s sacrifice ultimately defeated by bringing light and life.
Application
Let the selfless act of sacrifice resonate within you, like a guiding light at work or a warm hug from family. Let it propel you to show kindness and serve in your own sphere. Reflect on this profound love and let it shape your choices. Will you embrace and share this abundant love as you go about your day?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.